Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for slot-in exercise or for warming-up before exercising sports or games includes a resistance device ( 2 ) with a handle ( 4 ). The resistance device exercises resistance to a movement which occurs when the user pulls the handle ( 4 ). The resistance device ( 2 ) is secured on one end of a spacer ( 1 ), and an abutment ( 3 ) is secured on the other end of the spacer ( 1 ). The length and angle of the spacer may be adjusted to meet the user&#39;s needs. The abutment ( 3 ) is in contact with the user during exercise and transfers a part of the reaction forces from the resistance device ( 2 ) to the spacer ( 1 ). The abutment ( 3 ) is connected to sensors for sensing different exercise parameters which are then stored in a computer. The spacer ( 1 ) is supported by or included in a support member ( 6 ) which may be an item of furniture or a part thereof, but also a mobile unit, such as a golf cart, a cleaning trolley or a golf bag.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for so-called slot-inexercise in a workplace environment, or for warming-up before takingpart in athletics or sports, and comprising a resistance device disposedto exercise resistance to a movement to which it is subjected by a user,the resistance device having a gripping member by means of which it isactivated by the user.

BACKGROUND ART

An infinite number of different types of exercise equipment ispreviously known in the art. A large proportion of these are designed insuch a manner that they are exclusively for use in a gymnasiumenvironment.

People who exercise at a gymnasium often do so for the purpose ofbodybuilding, improving fitness or to lose weight. Such people are oftenhighly motivated and are quite happy to devote considerable time to bothtravel to and from the gymnasium as well as time in the actual exerciseat the gymnasium.

The present invention does not relate to exercise of the type which isnormally carried on in a gymnasium environment or possibly in the homeusing exercise kits which are basically designed for the gymnasiumenvironment.

Instead, the present invention relates to a different type of exerciseor rather muscle-loading, which can be called slot-in exercise and whosepurpose is to increase oxygenation, blood circulation and the removal ofwaste products, which may cause pain, inflammation in muscles andtendons. The muscles which may come into consideration for this type ofexercise are muscles which suffer from, or are in the process ofsuffering from permanent strain syndromes.

Strain syndromes occur if a muscle or muscular group carries outmonotonous, repetitive working movements with quite slight muscleloading and where the same working phase is repeated for lengthy periodsof time.

Paradoxically, the above-described problems have increased at the samerate as attempts have been made to create ever better ergonomics in thelabour environment. Improved ergonomics entails often that themusculature is relaxed, i.e. that the loading become less and that themuscular movements become shorter or smaller, in other words conditionswhich generate strain syndrome.

The problems that lie behind the formation of strain syndrome entailthat, already after a short period of repetitive, low stress movementsbecause of insufficient blood circulation and oxygenation, wasteproducts and inflammatory substances accumulate in the musculature. Thisentails that the musculature is not capable of maintaining the precisionthat is often required. The body then reacts in that the musculature istensed in order to regain precision, which in turn results in variousforms of muscular contraction pain.

In order to remedy the above-outlined problems, it is more importantthat the relevant muscle groups actually are made to carry out stresswork, which differs from the monotonous work movements, than to carryout exercise movements which are carefully adapted for bodybuilding,increasing fitness or losing weight. It is also of great importance thatthe stress movements can be carried out as soon as fatigue symptomsoccur in the strained muscles, which in practice means several timesduring a normal working day. There is no time for travel to a gymnasium,change of clothing, shower etc., in this type of exercise, so-calledslot-in exercise. Ready access to the slot-in exercise is thus animperative requirement.

Those stresses that are applied to muscles or muscle groups should notbe too great and clearly less than that which is relevant to exercisefor improving fitness, bodybuilding or losing weight.

So-called pause gymnastics are also previously where work is brieflydiscontinued and a short period of gymnastics is carried out. However,such a period of gymnastics does not give the requisite stress level onthe pertinent muscles and muscle groups.

Another type of injury occurs when the person executes large repetitivemuscle movements in a forward leaning position. The large muscle groupstake up the large forces and the person gets the incorrect balance andstructure in the skeleton and musculature. The person often becomes bentforward and the shoulders lower down in a slightly forward slantingposture. The person often experiences discomfort in the back andshoulders. The general posture deteriorates, which results in pain andreduced mobility.

These problems have become aggravated at the same rate as people are inconsiderably poorer shape compared with previously and, as a result, areless capable of managing repetitive movements over a lengthy period oftime. The problems have also become aggravated because working dutiesare more monotonous than before.

As one example of position and strain, mention might be made of a persondigging with a spade. This is a forward bent position where the largemuscles of the front of the body and the large lumbar muscles aresubjected to considerable strain. Other professional groups that sufferare assembly workers in mass production, hairdressers, cleaners and evensportsmen and women such as, for example, golfers.

In the practice of sports and athletics, it often happens that thesportsman/woman involved begins activities while insufficientlywarmed-up or softened. The risk of injury is obvious.

There are already a huge number of dismountable exercise implements andkits available on the market for exercise equipment that can be mountedon furniture, such as tables and chairs. The exercise equipment, whichcan be employed on chairs in an office environment and various otherlabour environments are disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No.6,099,445; U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,014 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,243. Theseprior art exercise devices and kits consist of many different parts andare difficult to both assemble and use, for which reason they do notconstitute a ready alternative when a large number of relatively shortperiods of exercise are to be carried out during a working day.

Problem Structure

The present invention has for its object to design the apparatusintimated by way of introduction such that it obviates the shortcomingsin the prior art technology. In particular, the present invention hasfor its object to design the apparatus such that it will be simple,economical and versatile and that it may conveniently be used severaltimes a working day by being readily available at each individualworksite.

Solution

The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attainedif the apparatus intimated by way of introduction is characterised by aspacer of a predetermined length at least during use, the resistancedevice being connected to a first end region of the spacer and anabutment which is disposed at an opposing end region of the spacer andwhich is disposed to be brought into contact with the user and transferthereto at least a part of the reaction forces that are transferred tothe spacer from the resistance device.

In a first embodiment, the spacer is in the form of a bar.

This embodiment is economical and simple to manufacture and may readilybe stowed away between periods of use.

In a second embodiment, the spacer consists of an item of furniture, inparticular a table top.

In this embodiment, the exercise apparatus according to the presentinvention may be readily available in order to be able to be usedconveniently on any desired occasion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in greater detailhereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying Drawings. In theaccompanying Drawings:

FIG. 1 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a fourthembodiment of

the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, theapparatus according to the present invention mounted on a table,

FIG. 6 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, oneembodiment where a table top forms a spacer included in the apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows, straight from the side, one embodiment where the table topforms the spacer, partly in the lowered, inactive state and partly inthe raised, active exercise state;

FIG. 8 shows two views corresponding to those of FIG. 7 showing amodified embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodimentcorresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodimentcorresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodimentcorresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a furtherdevelopment of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a secondembodiment of the apparatus according to the invention mounted on atable;

FIG. 15 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, theembodiment of FIG. 14 in a passive position of non-use.

FIG. 16 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on amobile unit, in this case a cleaning trolley;

FIG. 17 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on amobile unit, in this case a golf cart; and

FIG. 18 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on amobile unit, in this case a golf bag.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description, directional and positional disclosureswill be made. These relate to a situation which is normal for the use ofthe apparatus according to the present invention during exercise.

In its most generic embodiment, the present invention relates to anapparatus for so-called slot-in exercise, which entails a relativelylarge number of short periods of exercise distributed throughout aworking day, and where the intensity or strain level of the exercise islow. Such an apparatus has a spacer which, in its one end, or possiblymovably along its length, supports a resistance device with a grippingmember and which, in its opposing end, has an abutment in the form of aplate or bar which is intended for abutment against the body of theuser. The resistance device has the property of exercising resistanceagainst an exercise movement where, for example, the user pulls thegripping member secured in the resistance device. In that the reactionforces from pulling in the gripping member are transferred to the spacerand via this to the resistance device, the reaction forces will beabsorbed by the user. This implies that the apparatus according to thepresent invention does not need to be fixed in such a manner that itsanchorage can take up the forces that are generated during the exercise.

Regardless of the exact embodiment, the resistance device may be anelastically stretchable line which, with its one end, is secured in thespacer and, with its opposing, free end, supports the gripping member.

Further, the resistance device may, regardless of the exact embodiment,be formed in such a manner that it includes in itself a weight loadingwhich exercises the above-mentioned resistance against the movement towhich the gripping member of the resistance device is subjected duringexercise.

Finally, the resistance device may also include a brake member whichgives the requisite movement resistance on exercise.

Regardless of the embodiment, the resistance force which the abutmentexercises on use is suitably adjustable.

In FIG. 1, the above-considered spacer has been given reference numeral1, the resistance device which, in this embodiment, is doubled, has beengiven reference numeral 2 and the abutment has been given referencenumeral 3. In addition, the gripping member has been given referencenumeral 4.

In a practical embodiment, the resistance device 2 is, in this case,produced in the form of an elastically stretchable rubber rope which, bymeans of an anchorage 5, is secured in the one end region of the spacer1. Possibly, the anchorage 5 may be displaceable in the longitudinaldirection of the spacer towards the abutment 3. It will further beapparent from the Figure that the gripping member 4 is in the form of anapproximately rectangular loop which is secured in the opposing end ofthe elastically stretchable resistance device 2.

From the upper part figure, it is apparent that the spacer 1 is of apredetermined length at least during use, and that this length isgreater than the length of the resistance device 2 when this is in theunloaded state. In addition, the length of the spacer 1 is, at leastduring use, substantially constant and independent of the force to whichit is subjected under the action of the resistance device 2 duringexercise. In one practical embodiment, the spacer 1 is designed as a baror rod of plastic, wood or metal, possibly tubular in cross section. Thespacer may also be of an adjustable length, for example be telescopic.

It will be apparent from the lower part of FIG. 1 that the abutment 3 isdesigned as a bar which is transverse in relation to the longitudinaldirection of the spacer 1. It may also be in the form of a plate whichroughly has its plane of extent vertically oriented. The abutment 3 isplaced so as to be able to abut against the body of the user, preferablyin the area of the abdomen or thigh region of the user. The area levelwith the navel of the user may also come into consideration.

In order that the apparatus according to FIG. 1 may readily be held in aposition which is suitable for exercise, it is supported by or securedor securable on a support member 6 which has a bottom portion 7 intendedto rest on a substrate, preferably the floor in the premises housing theworkplace and the place of exercise.

The support member 6 is shown in FIG. 1 as a device whose only purposeis to keep the apparatus according to the present invention in aposition suitable for use. However, the support member 6 may also be anitem of furniture or part thereof, and as a result serve additionalfunctions, see FIGS. 5 and 6 below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support member includes a verticalcolumn 8 which is secured or securable in the central region of thespacer 1. The lower end of the column 8 is provided with the bottomportion 7 which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a first bar 9and a second bar 10. The two bars 9 and 10 form a cross where the firstbar 9 is disposed approximately parallel with but a distance beneath thespacer 1, while the second bar 10 is approximately parallel with theabutment 3.

FIG. 2 shows a modified embodiment of the exercise apparatus shown inFIG. 1. In this embodiment, the spacer is disposed inclined, but, in thesame manner as in FIG. 1, is in bar form. At the lower end, i.e. at thatend which is turned to face away from the user, the spacer 1 has ananchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 with its gripping member 4. Inits upper end, the spacer 1 has the abutment 3 which also in thisembodiment is designed as a bar which is transversely directed inrelation to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 1.

This embodiment is also provided with a support member 6 which has abottom portion 7. The support member 6 includes a substantially verticalcolumn 11 and the bottom portion is in the form of an approximatelyrectangular plate 12.

With its upper end, the vertical column 11 is secured or securable onthe spacer 1 so that the spacer, in the longitudinal direction, isdivided approximately in a ratio of 1:2, where the shorter section islocated most proximal the abutment 3. The lower end of the verticalcolumn 11 is connected to the centre point of that edge of the plate 12which is turned to face in a direction towards the anchorage 5 of theresistance device 2. Also in this embodiment, the resistance device 2 isin double form.

The joining between the spacer 1 and the vertical column 11 is suitablydivisible and adjustable so that the angle between these two componentsis varied in accordance with the wishes of the user.

The plate 12 is located in such a manner in relation to the abutment 3that the user may conveniently stand on the plate at the same time asthe abutment 3 abuts against the user's body.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment which largely coincides with the embodimentaccording to FIG. 2. The most essential difference is however that thespacer 1 is disposed with an inclination which is opposite to thatillustrated in FIG. 2. This inclination is also suitably adjustable.

Also in this embodiment, the plate 12 is placed in such a manner thatthe user may conveniently stand on the plate at the same time as theabutment 3 abuts against the user's body.

FIG. 4 shows a somewhat modified embodiment. In this embodiment, thespacer 1 is horizontal, designed as an elongate rod, and has anchoragesfor the resistance device 2 and the abutment 3 at its opposing ends.Also in this embodiment, the anchorage of the resistance device 2 in thespacer may be adjustable in its longitudinal direction.

At the anchorage 5 of the resistance devices 2 (which are doubled inthis embodiment) in the spacer 1, there is provided an additionalanchorage device 13 by means of which the apparatus according to thepresent invention may be secured to a wall 14.

The anchorage device 13 which, for example, may consist of a magnetattachment, a velcrotape® union or the like, is not intended to absorbthe forces which are generated on exercise using the apparatus accordingto the present invention. The sole purpose of the anchorage device 13 isto hold the apparatus according to the present invention in such aposition that it may conveniently be used. Thus, like theabove-described embodiments, the reaction forces which act from theresistance devices 2 on the spacer 1 will be absorbed, by the user as aresult of the contact of the abutment 3 against the user.

The embodiment according to FIG. 4 also displays a support member 6 witha bottom portion 7. In this embodiment, the support member 6 consists ofa vertical rod 15 in whose lower end a transverse rod 16 is disposedapproximately parallel with the abutment 3. The rod 15 may be ofadjustable length for vertical adjustment of the abutment 3.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment where the spacer 1 is placed on the upperside of a table top 17. In this embodiment, the table proper may bedescribed as constituting the support member 6.

The anchorage 5 of the spacer 1 for securing the resistance device 2 hasan engagement member 18 which is disposed in engagement with the oneedge of the table top 17, in this case the distal edge. The engagementmember 18 is designed in such a manner that it permits securing thespacer at this edge of the table.

At the opposing end of the spacer 1, there is disposed, as was mentionedabove, the abutment 3 which, in this embodiment, is designed as a platewhich has, on its side facing towards the user, a padding 19.

At the connection of the abutment 3 to the spacer 1, there is a secondengagement member 20 which is disposed in engagement with the front edgeof the table top 17. The engagement member 20 is designed in analogywith the engagement member 18, for which reason the apparatus accordingto the present invention may readily be mounted on the table top, butjust as simply be removed from it.

In one variation of the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the engagementmember 20 is absent. Instead, the engagement member 18 is designed insuch a manner that the rod may be freely supporting on or over the tabletop 17. By pivoting the rod 15 in the engagement member 18 it ispossible to realise a vertical adjustment of the abutment member 3.

In certain exercise movements it is important that the abutment member 3and also the resistance device 2 are located so high above the table topthat the hands of the user can swing in without hindrance over the tabletop.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the table top 17 constitutes thespacer proper, while the table in its entirety can be described asconstituting a support member 6. The anchorage 5 of the resistancedevice 2 has, in this embodiment, a first engagement member 18 whichcorresponds to the first engagement member in the embodiment accordingto FIG. 5.

Also in this embodiment, the abutment 3 is designed as a plate which isprovided with a padding 19. The abutment 3 has a second engagementmember 20 which is analogous with the engagement member illustrated inFIG. 5 with the same reference numeral.

Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the table top 17 constitutesthe spacer according to the invention. For securing the resistancedevice 2, the table top has an anchorage 5 which is placed at the edgeof the table top facing away from the user. The anchorage 5 is designedin such a manner that the resistance device 2 may simply be hooked intoand unhooked from the anchorage. Possibly, the anchorage 5 may bedesigned to permit simple adjustment of the anchorage of the resistancedevice 2 in a direction towards the opposing edge of the table top 17.

The abutment 3 in this embodiment is designed as a plate which has apadding 19 on its front side. The plate 3 is connected to the table top17 by the intermediary of a linkage 22 which is designed in such amanner that the plate may be located pivoted in beneath the underside ofthe table top 17 in a passive, non-operative position and be pivoted upto approximately vertical position in an active position of use.

The embodiment according to FIG. 8 and 9 is analogous with theembodiment according to FIG. 7, apart from the fact that the abutment 3,which is in the form of a plate which in its turn constitutes a part ofthe table top 17, is pivotal to an inactive position where the plate isretracted in the table top (as shown in the upper part view). In theposition of use, as shown in the lower view, the plate is pivoted overthe upper side of the table top so that it makes an angle therewith. Thepivot angle may, if desired, be as large as approximately 90°.

If a lower abutment area against the body of the user is desired, it isalso possible to cause the plate to be pivoted downwards on theunderside of the table top 17.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment which is largely analogous with theembodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9. The difference in this case isthat the anchorage 5 of the resistance device 2 is in turn secured in ananchorage 23 disposed in the under side of the table top 17 and by meansof which the anchorage of the resistance device 2 is retractable to aninactive position under the table top 17.

The abutment 3 also has an anchorage 24 on the under side of the tabletop 17. By means of this anchorage 24, the abutment 3 is switchablebetween an upwardly directed position of use according to the lower partview and an inactive position where the abutment 3 is located on theunder side of the table top 17.

Also in this embodiment, the table top naturally constitutes the spacerproper.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where the table top 17 constitutes thespacer and where the anchorage 5 of the resistance device 2 is securedin the upper side of an open-and-close lid 25 to a box 26 disposed onthe under side of the table top 17. The box 26 is intended for storingthe resistance device or devices 2 when not in use.

Securement of the abutment 3 designed as a plate is put into effect inthe same manner as in the embodiment according to FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where the table top 17 constitutes thespacer. The anchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 is secured on apivotal flap 27 which, in an inactive position, constitutes a part ofthe table top (see the upper part view) and which, in the activeposition of use, is pivoted upwards to make an angle with the table top17.

The abutment 3 is of a design which is analogous with the embodimentaccording to FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the foregoing, it was described how certain components included inthe apparatus according to the present invention may be adjustable. Inorder to optimise and individually adapt the muscular loading exercisewhich is carried out according to the invention, the apparatus accordingto the invention may be adjustable to a considerably greater degree thanthat described above. FIGS. 13 to 15 show such embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment which may be considered as a furtherdevelopment of the embodiment according to FIG. 3. The embodimentincludes a support member 6 with a base plate 12 and a vertical orupwardly directed column 11 which, according to the double-headed arrow28, is adjustable stepwise or continuously in the vertical direction toa lockable vertical adjustment position.

At the upper end of the column 11, there is disposed a lockable pivot 29in which a rod 32, corresponding to (or constituting a part of) thespacer 1, is secured. As will be apparent from the arrows 30 and 31, therod 32 is adjustable in both the longitudinal direction (the arrow 31)and in the vertical direction by rotating the pivot 29 (the arrow 30).The resistance device 2 and the gripping member 4 are designed inanalogy with the above-described embodiments. The position of theanchorage 5 along the rod 32 is also adjustable.

A slight distance beneath the pivot 29, there extends, in a directionaway from the rod 32 and approximately at right angles to the rod 11, ashort stub shaft 33 which is longitudinally adjustable in accordancewith the double-headed arrow 34 and in its free end carries the abutment3. The stub shaft 33 can also be pivotal so that extra verticaladjustment of the abutment 3 is possible.

FIG. 14 shows a position of use and FIG. 15 a passive, non-use positionof an embodiment where a table with a table top 17 fulfils the functionof support member 6. Apart from the support member, this embodiment hasfundamental similarities with the embodiment according to FIG. 13.Consequently, the same reference numerals will be employed as in FIG.13.

At the one edge of the table top, there is disposed a releasableanchorage 35 which has a double joint 36 with horizontal pivot axis. Inthe double joint 36 there is adjustably secured an upwardly directed armor rod 32 which is wholly analogous with that illustrated in FIG. 13.Further, there is secured in the double joint 36, a short arm or stubshaft 33 which is analogous with that shown in FIG. 13, but which inaddition is pivotal in the vertical direction in accordance with thearrow 37 and also supports the abutment 3 in its free end. Also in thisembodiment, the anchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 may bedisplaceable in the longitudinal direction of the rod 32.

FIG. 15 shows the above-described embodiment collapsed to a passive,non-use position of rest. It will be apparent from the Figure that botharms 32 and 33 are pivotal so far from their positions of use shown inFIG. 14 that they are located below the level of the table top 17 andare preferably substantially downwardly directed.

According to the present invention, there may be included in theapparatus a number of sensors for sensing and registering, for examplecounter force and protraction length of the resistance device 2, thenumber of protractions and their registration time, etc., in other wordsparameters that show that a user has correctly completed a predeterminedexercise programme, or that may be employed for producing statistics.

The sensors also suitably include such as are employed for sensing andregistering selected individual settings where the apparatus accordingto the present invention is individually adapted or optimised.

The information gathered by the sensors which may be registered andstored in a computer at the workplace may, for example, be employed forrewarding a user who has correctly completed his or her exerciseprogramme or for facilitating adjustment (individual adaptation) of oneexample of the apparatus according to the present invention.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 16 to 18, the subject matter ofthe present invention is applied on or includes a mobile unit. Also inthese embodiments, the same reference numerals have been used as in theabove-described embodiments.

According to FIG. 16, a spacer 1 is disposed on a cleaning trolley whichserves the function of support member 6. The spacer is applied at thehandle area of the cleaning trolley via a pivot by means of which thespacer can be pivoted to an inactive position along the cleaningtrolley. The pivot 38 also serves for vertical adjustment of that end ofthe spacer which is provided with the abutment 3 of the embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, the resistance device 2 has a gripping memberin its one end and is connected via an anchorage 5 to the spacer 1. Asis apparent from the arrows, the anchorage 5 is movable along thelongitudinal direction of the spacer. This may suitably also be ofadjustable length, as is intimated by means of a double-headed arrow.

The employment and function of this embodiment of the present inventionare wholly analogous with that described above.

According to FIG. 17, the subject matter of the present invention isapplied on or includes as mobile unit a golf cart which serves thefunction of support member 6. In this embodiment, the spacer 1 issecured via a pivot in the upper end region of the golf cart so that thespacer can, on the one hand, be adjusted in the vertical direction and,on the other hand, be pivoted to a position of non-use where it extendsalong and under the golf cart.

Also in this embodiment, the spacer is suitably of adjustable length andhas, at its end located at the pivot 38, an anchorage 5 for theresistance device 2 which has a gripping member at its free end.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 18, the subject matter of thepresent invention is disposed on or includes a golf bag which serves thefunction of support member 6. Otherwise, this embodiment is analogouswith that described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

1. An apparatus for so-called slot-in exercise in a workplaceenvironment, or for warming-up before exercising sports or games andcomprising a resistance device (2) disposed to exercise resistance to amovement to which it is subjected by a user, the resistance device (2)having a gripping member (4) by means of which it is activated by theuser, characterised by a spacer (1) of a predetermined length at leastduring use, the resistance device (2) being connected to the spacer (1)and an abutment (3) which is disposed on the spacer (1) and which isdisposed to be brought into contact with the user for transfer theretoof at least a part of the reaction forces that are transferred to thespacer (1) from the resistance device (2).
 2. The apparatus as claimedin claim 1, characterised in that the spacer (1) has a first end regionand a second end region in which the abutment (3) is disposed, and thatthe resistance device (2) has an anchorage point in the spacer (1) whichis movable along the spacer from the first end region at least a part ofthe length of the spacer towards the second end region.
 3. The apparatusas claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the predeterminedlength of the spacer (1) is substantially constant and independent ofthe force to which it is subjected by the resistance device (2).
 4. Theapparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that thepredetermined length of the spacer (1) is greater than the length of theresistance device (2) when this is in the unloaded state.
 5. Theapparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that theabutment (3) is in the form of a plate.
 6. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 5, characterised in that the plate has a padding (19) on that sidewhich is intended for abutment against the user.
 7. The apparatus asclaimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the resistancedevice (2) includes an elastic, stretchable element.
 8. The apparatus asclaimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the resistancedevice (2) includes a weight loading.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in anyof claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the resistance device (2)includes a brake member.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1to 9, characterised in that the resistance device (2) is a double devicewith two equal branches, each branch having a gripping member (4). 11.The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in thatthe spacer (1) is connected to a support member (6) which is disposed tokeep the spacer (1) in a position suitable for exercise.
 12. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the supportmember (6) has a bottom portion (7) which is disposed for placing on asubstrate, preferably a floor, and which is positioned in relation tothe spacer (1) so that, when the user stands on the bottom portion (7),the spacer (1) is in a position suitable for exercise.
 13. The apparatusas claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the support member(6) or the spacer (1) includes an anchorage (13) for securing in a wall(14).
 14. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13,characterised in that the spacer (1) is designed as a bar.
 15. Theapparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that thespacer (1) has anchorages (18, 20) for securing on an item of furniture,preferably a table top (17).
 16. The apparatus as claimed in any ofclaims 1 to 9, characterised in that the spacer (1) is an item offurniture or a part thereof, in particular a table top (17).
 17. Theapparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, characterised in thatthe support member (6) is an item of furniture.
 18. The apparatus asclaimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the spacer 1 hasanchorages for securing on a mobile unit.
 19. The apparatus as claimedin claim 18, characterised in that the mobile unit is a cleaningtrolley, a golf bag or a golf cart.
 20. The apparatus as claimed in anyof the preceding claims, characterised in that a number of sensors forsensing exercise parameters, such as protraction length/-force/-speed ofthe abutment (3), times for and duration of exercise, selected settingsof the apparatus etc., and for storage thereof in a computer.